Miiki Tsubaki, the talented snowboarder hailing from Hama Matsuiwa Credit Union, is making waves as she prepares to defend her world title at the upcoming Snowboard World Championships. Following her remarkable victories in the Alpine World Cup, Tsubaki stands ready to take on her fiercest competition, including Ester Ledecka, the reigning Olympic champion from the Czech Republic.
On March 17, 2025, Tsubaki participated in an online interview from Austria, where she is currently training, and shared her excitement for the World Championships commencing on March 20, 2025, in Switzerland. This season has been monumental for Tsubaki. She celebrated overall victory in the women's snowboard alpine events, showcasing her talent with 13 podium finishes out of 17 World Cup races, including four wins—an achievement unmatched by any Japanese athlete.
Reflecting on her progress this season, Tsubaki expressed, "It was good to be consistently on the podium. Initially, I felt uneasy, but throughout the season, I tried various things during the competitions. This season was about building momentum toward the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics." Her strategic approach during competitions has clearly paid off, leading her to the prestigious spot she holds today.
Now, as the defending champion of the parallel giant slalom event, Tsubaki's goal for the World Championships is pointedly clear: "I want to win and achieve consecutive victories. I really want to embody the fundamental joy of snowboarding, and if victory follows, it would be great." With Ledecka set to challenge her aspirations for back-to-back titles, the upcoming competition carries significant weight.
Achieving three major titles within the same season is no small feat. Tsubaki proudly noted, “I feel proud, and if I can show this to the children when I return home, there is no greater joy as an athlete.” Her achievements this season, which include the overall Alpine title, the parallel giant slalom, and the parallel slalom—all marking her as the first Asian athlete to achieve this milestone—speak to her dedication and skill.
With two years separating each World Championships, Tsubaki is aware of the unique significance surrounding this competition. She recognizes the challenges posed by formidable opponents, particularly Ledecka, who secured two titles at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics by excelling simultaneously in alpine skiing. Tsubaki remarked on the presence of strong competition, stating, "I want to prove I am in a position where I can compete for victory. I want to win there and achieve consecutive victories." Her ambition is buoyed by the desire to face Ledecka head-on, which she views as pivotal for solidifying her position as the world's best.
For Tsubaki, the upcoming World Championships is not just about defending her title; it’s also about measuring her abilities against the best. Leading up to the events, she has been practicing rigorously, focusing on delivering her best performance. “While the goal is to achieve consecutive victories, I am practicing with the mindset of giving my all and delivering good performance,” she stated, underlining her careful balance of ambition and preparation.
Even as Tsubaki looks to excel, she remains grounded, emphasizing the joy and passion of the sport. Her consistent podium finishes throughout this season have transformed her from a talented athlete to one of the most celebrated competitors on the international stage. For her, embodying the spirit of snowboarding is equally as important as winning medals.
The anticipation surrounding the World Championships builds as Tsubaki looks not only to maintain her winning streak but to inspire the next generation. Her message resonates strongly with young athletes aiming to conquer their own dreams: to embrace the joy of their sport and strive for excellence.
With the world watching, Miiki Tsubaki stands poised to defend her title, channeling her determination and passion for snowboarding onto the competitive stage. Whether she can overcome the challenges posed by athletes like Ledecka remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain: Tsubaki’s story is one of hope, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.
